Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Liles, Amanda Gail
URN	etd-08212008-221648
Title	The effects of resynchronization of estrus using the 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR system in beef heifers
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Animal and Poultry Sciences
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Greiner, Scott P. Committee Chair Barnes, Michael A. Committee Member Beal, W. E. Committee Member Hall, John B. Committee Member
Keywords	Beef Heifer Reproduction Resynchronization Economics
Date of Defense	2008-08-05
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The effects of resynchronization of estrus using the 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR system in beef heifers Amanda Gail Liles ABSTRACT Recent efforts have improved synchronization systems that facilitate timed insemination in beef cattle. However, synchronization systems utilizing a single fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) frequently result in 25-40% non-pregnant heifers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and define economic parameters of a FTAI resynchronization protocol in beef heifers after synchronization using a 5d CO-Synch + CIDR system. Estrus was synchronized in crossbred heifers (n=176) using 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR with FTAI at 72 h. After the initial AI, open heifers received either resynchronization (RS) or natural service (NS) return service treatments. The RS treatment was diagnosed for pregnancy 29 d after the initial AI, and all open heifers were resynchronized using the 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR with FTAI at 72 h. Heifers diagnosed pregnant following initial AI received no further treatment. Heifers in the NS treatment were exposed to fertile bulls from d 14 to d 66 following initial AI. Return to estrus data were collected using the Heat Watch Estrus Alert System. Total AI pregnancies tended to be higher (P=0.07) for RS (69.7%) than NS (56.5%) heifers. Overall pregnancy rate was greater for NS (89.4%) than for RS (69.7%) at the end of the breeding season (P < 0.01). The cost of RS was $128.63 and for NS was $82.50 per pregnancy. The expected average calf value per heifer exposed was $195.84 for RS treatment and $357.62 for NS treatment. This difference was attributed to the increased number of open heifers in the RS treatment. The resynchronization of estrus after the initial FTAI yielded a limited number of pregnancies in the breeding season in this study. However, the resynchronization program also cost more per pregnancy. Further investigation into resynchronization should focus on both biological and economic impacts.
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